For the West, the year 2008 marked the beginning of a difficult period of crisis, recession, and uneven recovery. For China, 2008 was also an important turning point, but one followed by a decade of rapid progress that few could have foreseen.

China’s 2019 government work report lays out the country’s economic policies to sustain growth and avoid the “middle income trap” that Premier Le Keqiang has warned of. In taking steps next year to realize the “Chinese dream,” three battles will be tough but key: defusing financial risks, effecting targeted poverty alleviation, and achieving pollution control.

As EU dependency relationships adjust to changes occurring in geopolitics and world commerce, member states will explore deals with China and Russia at the expense of Washington’s preferred global order.

The rise of tribalism internationally makes for politics rife with reflexive scorn; it’s US vs China, Airbus vs Boeing, “we” vs “them.” Beijing’s decision to ground Boeing’s newest jetliner only emphasizes such tribalism within the US-China relationship.

Despite numerous controversies, genetic engineering has become a hotspot in the biotech industry. With this technology gradually maturing, its accompanying problems and controversies will also expand. This scientific frontier will undoubtedly create a serious issue for China and the U.S.

A future 5G divide may open between the US and its allies, and most of the rest of the world. Should a handful of developed nations shut out Huawei and others, those countries may have to settle for a network lacking cutting-edge technology.

Premier Li Keqiang’s Government Work Report provides a concrete sign of China’s renewed support for the private economy, especially small and micro businesses.

China’s increasing prominence in Djibouti and other African nations is the latest signal that China sees Africa as holding strategic promise for the Belt and Road Initiative.

The US-China trade dispute continues on in uncertainty.

The latest draft of China’s Foreign Investment Law is a nod towards Washington’s concerns over structural issues in China’s economy. But with impending tariffs overhead, it’s hard to know if this was a statement of true intent or a statement made with a metaphorical gun to one’s head.